Over 1,000 smartphone applications are currently available to help people track their menstrual cycles. Most are not appropriate for pregnancy prevention, although the millions of people who have downloaded them do not necessarily understand this. Thus, providers should be prepared to guide their patients in identifying and selecting which apps provide accurate information and are appropriate for their particular needs, advise Contraceptive Technology authors Victoria Jennings and Chelsea Polis. Some apps facilitate use of an existing FABM (such as a symptothermal method, the Billings Ovulation Method, or the Standard Days method) by providing a digital platform that serves as an alternative to traditional paper and pencil charts or other tools used to track fertility signs. Another category of smartphone apps requires input of information about fertility signs but uses a predictive algorithm embedded within the app itself to determine the fertile time.

Medical conditions commonly worsen during the luteal phase and menses. This may reflect the complex and often poorly understood interplay of hormones with other physiologic processes throughout the body. Seizures, asthma, mental health disorders, and migraines are among the conditions more commonly exacerbated during a woman’s menstrual cycle. Anita Nelson and Lee Shulman offer guidance on interrupting the cycling interplay of hormones and exacerbation of medical conditions in their chapter on the Menstrual Cycle in the new edition of Contraceptive Technology. A classic example is menstrual migraines.

Now available in a new 21st edition, this well-known text with more than 2 million copies in print has been the leading family planning resource... Read more

Conferences

Covering the most important advances in women’s health and contraception, Contraceptive Technology is designed for health professionals just like you. Chaired by Dr. Robert Hatcher, the conference faculty includes the authors of the well-known reference text Contraceptive Technology, and other nationally known reproductive health experts. Conference topics include: new and future methods of contraception, sexuality issues, recurrent vaginitis, case studies, adolescent health, STD treatment, flexible OC management and much more.

The Contraceptive Technology conferences will help you synthesize the data and translate the evidence into clinical “pearls” you can put directly into practice. With an array of Preconferences delving into selected specialty areas of interest, plenary sessions focusing on the “hottest” topics, a thought-provoking luncheon presentation, and 30 dynamic, interactive Concurrent Sessions, including hands-on workshops…this conference is certain to improve your clinical practice and expand your network of colleagues. Read more

Contraceptive Technology

The premier reference in family planning for clinicians

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This month’s clinical fact

March 2019 Clinical Fact:

“More than 80% of Fertility Awareness-Based methods (FABM) use in recent NSFG surveys is self-reported use of “rhythm.” So “lumped” estimates of effectiveness may not apply to individual FABMs.” — Contraceptive Technology, 21st edition, p. 422